The rise of Kilcullen and the COINdinistas
An Air Force pilot explains why he found the rise of counterinsurgency specialists in the U.S. military over the last couple of years personally and professionally reassuring: My love affair with the COIN community began when the dissidents took over the Iraq war, and I realized they actually knew what they were doing. After years ...
An Air Force pilot explains why he found the rise of counterinsurgency specialists in the U.S. military over the last couple of years personally and professionally reassuring:
My love affair with the COIN community began when the dissidents took over the Iraq war, and I realized they actually knew what they were doing. After years of growing disillusionment with some of my leaders, I finally found a community of competent, intelligent military professionals I could trust. I can’t overstate how important that was to me personally. Over the past year I’ve been drawn deeper and deeper into the COIN community. I follow its blogs, read its recommended books, and study the debates among of its members. The contributions of this community are extraordinary and I am constantly learning from it.
He warns the COINdinistas against getting too cocky and insular. I don’t think that is really a problem, as there are still many people in the military establishment who want them to go away so the armed forces can get back to real soldiering.
You can see judge for yourself at the COIN Woodstock being held tonight (Wednesday) by CNAS at the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C. — but please note that registration is required. David Kilcullen and his band take the stage at 6 pm.
U.S. Army image
Thomas E. Ricks is a former contributing editor to Foreign Policy. Twitter: @tomricks1
More from Foreign Policy
Chinese Hospitals Are Housing Another Deadly Outbreak
Authorities are covering up the spread of antibiotic-resistant pneumonia.
Henry Kissinger, Colossus on the World Stage
The late statesman was a master of realpolitik—whom some regarded as a war criminal.
The West’s False Choice in Ukraine
The crossroads is not between war and compromise, but between victory and defeat.
The Masterminds
Washington wants to get tough on China, and the leaders of the House China Committee are in the driver’s seat.
Sign up for World Brief
FP’s flagship evening newsletter guiding you through the most important world stories of the day, written by Alexandra Sharp. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.